Another Waffle House coming to Hardeeville

Is Hardeeville ready for two Waffle House restaurants inside the city limits? If not, the city of about 4,000 needs to get prepared.

Hardeeville residents can expect another restaurant to open by early summer.

South Carolina-based commercial real estate developer, Twin Rivers Capital, brokered a deal to bring a Waffle House to the city. The restaurant will be a corporate location. Waffle House was started in the mid-1950s in Georgia and has expanded over the years.

Since day one, each Waffle House restaurant has provided guests with a unique and comfortable dining experience. At every restaurant, the bright "Yellow Sign" greets customers, the jukebox plays a variety of the now famous Waffle House songs and associates give customers a greeting as they walk through the door. In addition, each restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, inspiring urban myths such as "Waffle House doors have no locks," according to the company's website.

Hardeeville City Planner Chris Damgen said Wednesday the city worked closely with Waffle House Corp., who received its permit this week.

"This gives the city the ability to grow the city financially and encourage future economic development," Damgen said.

The new Waffle House location will be off Interstate 95, Exit 8 on Independence Boulevard. The restaurant will be on the same property as Exxon and use the same entrance.

Damgen said a separate entrance on Brooks Willis Drive is also an option.

City Manager Bob Nanni said Monday the city did not receive an exact timeline of the Waffle House construction but expects it to be built quickly.

"They have their permit in hand so construction should begin within the next couple of weeks," Damgen said.

With an opening of a new restaurant, new job opportunities could be available. Damgen said he is unsure of the number of jobs available because there could be some employees transferring from other restaurants.